What makes Münster so special?
A unique blend of science, business, and lifestyle. This page explains why the United Nations believes Münster to be the "most livable city in the world" and why the city obtains additional prizes virtually every year.
Münster in the press
One cannot deny, that there are clashing views on the city of Münster. The journalist and book author Klaus Baumeister describes it as 'germany's smallest village'. The jury member of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) awarded Münster the LivCom award in 2004 for being the most liveable community of its size in the world.
Maybe some press quotes can solve the opposing views? The magazine "Wirtschaftswoche" and the "Initiative für neue soziale Marktwirtschaft" carried out a ranking in 2007 an concluded: Münster is one of the top-ten cities in Germany - Ranked 4 out of 50 participating communities. Compared to other large cities within North-Rhine-Westphalia it places itself way ahead of Düsseldorf, Cologne and Dortmund and won first place.
The newspaper "Rheinische Post" stated: Münster is a city you will never forget about. Not like a chewing gum that sticks to the favorite sweatshirt, but like a memory of a person that seems a little common and provincial at first. However on second sight it turns out to be of rough humor, uncomplicated and comforting. (08.05.2008)
Münster – A city portrait
Münster – the ideal city for living and working
You immediately recognize three characteristics of Münster when you first visit the city: the beautiful historic city centre, the incredible numbers of bicycles and the many young people. One cannot imagine the University City Münster which is both, traditional and innovative, without its almost 50.000 students that give the city its typical flair. However, Münster doesn't look back on a long tradition in research and education only, but also on one as an important center for trade, service and management in the entire area of Westphalia, where more than 1,5 million people live.
Looking toward the future as a tradition
Whoever started his university career with the registration in the old baroque-style Residence, later attended a lecture in the modern Leonardo-Campus and visited one out of many bars, may not deny that Münster is a city with a unique flair. The 1200 years of history are reflected in the medieval structure of the historic center and in the many old buildings. Historic buildings, latest architecture, modern art sculptures – this mixture brings the historic city centre to life. Another quality of Münster is the high level of green spaces throughout the entire city: If it's the Promenade, a ring-shaped park enclosing the entire city center, or the park sights in the Münster area.
"Most livable community"
Today the city of Münster hosts universitys and colleges with international reputation as well as research and technological centers. These institutions set up a basement for further development. Many young people, university-close institutions and a widely varied cultural life underline the city's unique atmosphere.
The cultural life in Münster provides a wide variety of options: open-air movie theatres, concerts, theatres and museums. Further, the night-life is legendary thanks to the many students. The Kreativ-Kai at the harbor of the Dortmund-Ems-Canall with the latest lifestyle bars, the historic centre with its traditional bars and many clubs invite every visitor or inhibatant to stay up all night...
All these characteristics make Münster loveable and livable. That Münster is the "most livable community of the world" was publically announced by the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) in 2004. But this is not the only award Münster is proud of: further awards.
Links
- Münster for students - Information of the University of Münster for students
- Official Website - City of Münster
- Münster Marketing - touristic offers
- Münster geht aus - local restaurant guide
- Radstation - explore the city with a rental bike
- Stadtwerke Münster - includes an online bus shedule
- Theater Münster - theater